Your Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Texas
Being a real estate agent is definitely a rewarding career choice. That’s many individuals are into it these days. But to become a successful real estate agent, you must invest some time in education and have to pass a few state and national licensing exams. Find out some other aspects of becoming a real estate agent in Texas.
Education
In Texas, community colleges or schools which are specifically for real estate are a good place to begin with. You can also check the list of appropriate schools in each city which is provided by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC).
There are a number of required courses so that you will be allowed to take the Texas real estate license exam. These are the things that you need to know to be a realtor as well as some information regarding the law. You have to complete 30 classroom hours in these courses: Law of Agency, Law of Contracts Forms, and Real Estate Finance. Also, 60 classroom hours in the Principles of Real Estate is needed. And finally, have certification proving that you completed these courses.
Have a clean record
It is also important that you must be of ‘moral character’ in order to be a real estate agent. Basically, that means you don’t have any criminal record and misdemeanors. You have the option to file a Request for Moral Character Determination, which is a form that can be found on the TREC website. Try to fill out this form before your license application so that you will see if you will be rejected based on this reason. Also take note if issues like defaulting on a student loan as it could disqualify you.
Requirements in Obtaining Your Texas Salesperson License
- You must be at least 18 years of age.
- Register and complete the 180 hours required education.
- Obtaining a sponsoring broker. Both of you and your sponsor will need to complete and submit the Sponsorship Form.
- Submit all forms and fees to TREC. This will include real estate school certificates.
Active or inactive license
On the other hand, you’ll have to decide if you want an active or inactive license. An inactive license holder is not able to conduct real estate activity.
Schedule your license examination and fingerprinting
Once you have the response letter from TREC that approves and directs you to the Candidate Information Brochure, it’s now time to schedule your exam with Pearson Vue. Along with this, there’s also a direction on how to submit your fingerprints for review. You will be given one year to pass the exam from the date that your application is filed.
Prepare and take the state exam
It is recommended to take the Kaplan’s world-renowned Exam Prep course. There is also the Texas Real Estate Exam Prep program which is available as a Live Class or video OnDemand Course. After passing the state exam and when your fingerprints are on file, you will now receive an Active or Inactive Salesperson License from TREC through email.
